Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Mar 2012
m2m m2m is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
Where to stay between Addis Ababa and Gondar?

I'd like to break up the 700+km drive from Addis Ababa to Gondar with an overnight stay about half way. Can someone suggest a town and hotel to stay? Also, what's the road like between these two cities?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Mar 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Naivasha, Kenya
Posts: 17
Lalibela!
Not exacltly half way but you may not miss Lalibela.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
It's pretty close to Gondor, but you should make a point of visiting Bahir Dar. Hotel Ghion is a nice place to stay on Lake Tana.

I stayed in one of the towns further along the route between AA and Gondor (Bure? Debre Markos?) as well but it was pretty non descript. I would recommend riding the extra distance to make it to Bahir Dar and hang out there.

As Joost mentioned, Lalibela is a must see. After speaking to some fellow riders who biked in though, we elected to fly in from Bahir Dar and save our tires. Some others staying at the Ghion minibussed in and said it was one of the most terrifying drives of their life.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Mar 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
Awramba

An alternative you may like to consider, close to Bahir Dar, is the community at Awramba (or Awra Amba). It's a self-sufficient non-religious commune for want of a better description. (Religion generally features prominently in Ethiopian life).

There's a little hostel for visitors, a small and nice place to stay overnight, (very cheap if I remember) and catering. You have the freedom of the commune. As in the rest of Ethiopia, everyone is very welcoming, but you'll be left alone to wander around as well.

We stayed there only one night because we wanted to cram as much as possible into our 1-month visa otherwise would have stayed longer.
We were the only visitors there at the time which was very nice I think.
The commune attracts some controversy and is more interesting for that.

There's a lengthy youtube here: Awra Amba - Utopia w Etiopii (1/2) - YouTube

Our blog entry is here: Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers' Stories - Ken Thomas

It's a few miles along the road to Lalibela from Wereta, down a dirt track signposted on the right.
__________________
TTR250 - London to Cape Town
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Mar 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
Ethiopian Reggae in Addis

While I'm on here - If anyone in Addis is looking for entertainment, the Goethe Institute puts on smashing free concerts.

A bit short notice, but there's this: http://www.goethe.de/ins/et/add/ver/en9003762v.htm
on Friday 16th March.

I guess it'll be Ethiopian Reggae. If it's anywhere near as good as the concert we went to on our visit you'll have a great time.

Get there early if you want a seat otherwise it's standing, or sitting on the grass or on your own chair amongst the wonderful Ethiopian audience.
__________________
TTR250 - London to Cape Town
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Sydney to Germany - the African way BikingMarco Ride Tales 320 23 Sep 2012 11:31

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:50.